Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals
In last year's AFC Wild Card round, the Bengals were humbled and humiliated by the eventual Super Champions from Miami 50-14. To a man, each Cincinnati player on the field for January's debacle have talked about that game as motivation heading into Thursday Night's clash.
"I hate them," Vontaze Burfict said. "I'm coming for them all - put me on offense too man, I'm ready."
Miami players have made little reference to last year's game and have instead focused on continuing their run of strong defensive play, holding opponents to 13.3 points-per-game to start the season.
"They can say what they like, but at the end of the day we are all pros," Courtney Upshaw said. "They are hungry, but so are we."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Andy Dalton has a lot to prove after laying an egg again in last year's matchup. Look for him to finally take the 'next step' at home on Thursday Night.
PREDICTION: Bengals win 31-30
Seattle Seahawks @ New York Jets
In an effort to keep his job for at least one more week, Todd Bowles worked with his general manager to shake up the NFL landscape. The Jets moved on from Ryan Tannehill while picking up Sam Bradford. The team also acquired wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin after dealing defensive line stalwart Kawann Short to the Cowboys. It was a busy week indeed.
"We are all on notice," Bowles said. "I could be fired at halftime. If you don't perform, you are gone, simple as that."
The Seahawks, in addition to traveling across the country, will also have the added difficulty of preparing for a team making a flurry of moves.
"We don't even know who will be on the field," Pete Carroll said. "There may have been a trade while we are talking in here."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: New York's defense versus the porous Seattle offensive line. This has to be the week the Jets soar...right?
PREDICTION: Jets win 22-18
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
In the much anticipated matchup against the bitter division rivals, Rex Ryan pulled no punches to start his press conference.
"Wait until their quarterback, whoever it is, plays a legitimate defense like ours," Ryan said. "They won't sneak by any longer playing those cupcake defenses."
To be fair, New England has faced Arizona, Miami, and Houston - all top defenses in the NFL, but Ryan's crew does add the ability to score points along with their stout defensive play.
Bill Belichick was very praiseworthy of quarterback Aaron Rodgers throughout his mid-week press conference.
"He is one of those guys that you can't fully prepare for," Belichick said. "He can do everything and it will be tough for us."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Buffalo to hit the 'next level.' Despite their 3-0 record, the Bills have shown flashes of a team lacking the ability to play their game for all four quarters. Against New England (without Tom Brady), Buffalo has no excuses and should come out and make a statement.
PREDICTION: Bills win 35-17
